Family Accommodation in Syria

Maybe you could tap into the Syrian community here in Australia and get some advice/contacts from them? There used to be a consulate office in Arncliffe (big Lebanese/Arabic area of Sydney). I haven't been to Syria for a long time but it is a great country and would be fantastic for kids. Will you be going to Jordan and/or Lebanon as well? I loved Jordan even more than Syria. I didn't make it to Lebanon as it was a bit "tense" there at the time I was in that part of the world. I would love to go there some time though. It looks really amazing.

Hi empressnasigoreng,
We haven't been to Syria since 1996, so expect much will have changed. Too many of us to go to much more than Syria for the time we have available for that sector, and fly back to KL from Damascus. Good ideas re- consulate office - will check into it ...
Ta.

Hey Kilbar,we spent time in Syria Dec/Jan 2010,we just loved it,didn't have a base as we travelled through the Middle east with our 5 children so didn't stay too long in one place,we just arrived and found accommodation wherever we were,what an awesome experience,don't miss Palmyra and Crac de Chevalier(every childs fantasy),our children really enjoyed Syria,have a wonderful time,the people are sooo friendly and welcoming,kindest cheers,Carol.

Hi Carol,
We loved Syria when we went as well - which is why we want to take the kids. Didn't get to Crac de Chevalier last time, but will this.
It's not just as a base that we want to rent an apartment: it's also for cost. We're just now organising a trundle of a couple months through central Europe (Czech Rep, Slovenia, Albania) and are being crucified by the accommodation and transport costs. Guess we were stupid to presume they'd bear some (comparative) relationship to costs of 15 years ago ... But looks like we're going to be skint by the time we get to Syria. What sort of accommodation costs were you encountering?
Bruce

Hi,
Sounds lovely, Syria is a gorgeous place!

Just one vote here for renting the apartment using a middle man/agent. We did this for 3 months in China, and we found that although we paid almost twice the going rate (had we been renting without the agent, and long term), the cost was still relatively cheap, given the price of hotels. We also found this extra cost was more than offset by the ease of having a place set up for us, utilities covered, someone else to deal with the (non-English speaking) landlord, and the overall hassle-free nature of it all. We still saved an incredible amount and had the experience of a lifetime. Just my two cents!

Happy planning!

jjtravelbug,

Thanks for the input.

I have no objection to paying double for the sake of convenience. Just concerned that we may be paying an even greater multiple of the going rate. Would like to know what the 'going rate' is ...

Cheers.

hi there
3 bed room apartment in a central quite suburban location in Damascus/ Syria. 15 minutes walk away from the old city, close to university and national museum.
First floor apartment fully furnished with cable TV, constant hot water, European style bathroom and WC facility. Air-conditioning and fully fitted &equipped kitchen.
the apartment is renting now for €75 per night for short stay. however if you take it for the whole month I will offer it for 10% discount. interested? e mail cha.al@hotmail.com.